Equipment for aquatic centres and public swimming pools
In an aquatic centre, equipment is chosen on how it withstands a chlorinated atmosphere rather than on its performance: anodised aluminium and 316L stainless steel are the only viable structural materials in the pool hall, and painted steel has no place there whatever its coating. A second constraint is specific to these facilities: immersed equipment has to be handled by one lifeguard alone, between two sessions, and stored out of the water without taking up a dedicated room.
Light In Fitness supplies aquafitness equipment, dry fitness equipment and the floor coverings used in aquatic facilities. This page sets out who buys, what the environment imposes, and which zones can realistically be equipped.
Who buys, depending on the operating model
| Operating model | Buyer | Regime | Decision horizon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct municipal or inter-municipal management | Local authority | Public procurement rules | Annual capital budget |
| Concession or leisure management contract | Operator, within its contract | Private purchasing, subject to contractual investment commitments | Operator’s investment programme |
| New build or major refurbishment | Public client, through its design team | Equipment package within the works contract | Construction programme |
| Private facility, hydrotherapy centre | Operator | Private purchasing | Season or financial year |
For public buyers, thresholds, lotting and the documents expected are detailed on the buying sports equipment under public procurement and supplier qualification documents pages.
What the chlorinated atmosphere imposes
A pool hall combines permanent humidity, elevated temperature and an atmosphere loaded with chloramines. Three direct consequences for the specification.
- Structural material. Aquafitness bikes and machines are built in aluminium, a material that does not rust and stays light enough to be lifted out by one member of staff. In wet but non-immersed areas, 316L stainless steel is the reference material.
- No exposed ferrous part. Fixings, ballast and assembly parts included: a single ferrous point is enough to start corrosion that stains the poolside and weakens the machine.
- Electronics kept out of the wet zone. Immersed machines run without motor or console ; all electronics belong in a dry, ventilated fitness area separated from the pool hall.
The four zones to equip
| Zone | Function | Equipment | Indicative list price excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool, group classes | Aqua cycling, aquafitness | INOBIKE 6 AIR aqua bike | €1,080.00 |
| Pool, cardio work | Walking and running in water | Aquajogg Air underwater treadmill | €1,499.00 |
| Pool, mobility and return to activity | Guided low impact movement | Elly Air aquatic elliptical | €995.00 |
| Dedicated space outside the main pool | Individual sessions, small group classes | Waterflex aqua cycling tank | €5,990.00 |
The full range, including models quoted on request, is on the aquatic fitness equipment page.
Dry fitness area and wellness area
Most aquatic centres now run a fitness area independent of the pool, generating a membership distinct from pool admission. It follows the rules of a conventional gym: machines compliant with EN ISO 20957 in use class S, engineered flooring, ventilation independent of the pool hall. Available families are on the cardio equipment and selectorised machines pages.
The wellness area completes the offer with sauna and steam room, rigid spas and, increasingly, cold plunge baths — the latter requiring their own power supply, drain and water treatment, independent of the pool circuit.
Poolside, changing rooms and plant areas
Flooring is where operational complaints concentrate: slip resistance on a wet poolside, soiling in changing rooms, deterioration around plant areas. Coverings suited to the pool environment are grouped on the pool surfacing page, and the complete tile and roll families on the sports flooring page. In the dry fitness area, an acoustic underlay limits impact noise transmission to the floors below.
Frequently asked questions
Which material for a bike that stays in the water ?
Aluminium. It does not rust in a chlorinated atmosphere, stays light enough to be lifted out by one member of staff, and carries neither motor nor electronics. The aquafitness range is built on that basis.
Can a gym machine be installed at the poolside ?
No. Machines compliant with EN ISO 20957 are neither designed nor tested for permanent exposure to humidity and chloramines. Electronics and ferrous parts degrade quickly, and the warranty does not cover use outside the intended environment.
Does a concession operator have to run a public tender ?
It depends on its status and on the concession contract. A private operator generally buys under its own procedures, within the investment commitments written into the contract. A local authority operating directly falls under public procurement rules.
Does a cold plunge bath need separate water treatment ?
Yes. A cold plunge has its own filtration and disinfection circuit, independent of the pool, together with a dedicated power supply and drain. All-in-one models integrate the chiller and filtration into the tub.
How many bikes should be planned for an aqua cycling class ?
The number depends on the pool area genuinely usable at the working depth and on supervision capacity. Sizing is done from the pool drawing, taking account of slots already allocated to schools and clubs.
Request a quotation
Tell us the operating model, the pool dimensions and depth, and the zones to equip: the quotation is issued with material specifications and the applicable standards.